Description
H&H Classic Auction @ National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
15th November, 2023 11:00
1971 Tula Tourist 200
Russian rarity
Estimate
£3, 500 - £4, 500
Registration No: WWT 929J
Frame No: L972
Engine No: 0E670072
CC: 197
MOT: Exempt
Luxuriously equipped
Very original historical lot
Rare workshop manuals in Russian
Believed the only known working example in the UK
V5C for use on UK roads
The Tula motor scooter was first produced in 1957 to carry the comrades as the T200 a 197cc 2 stroke air-cooled machine equipped with an electric starter curiously similar to the Goggo-Isaria German built scooter of the time. The carburettor even had a tickler and required a 4 per cent oil/ petrol mix. Indeed the engine and body had very similar performance and appearance to the Goggo generating 8HP. It rode on 10 x 4 inch wheels and could hit 86 km/ h. We understand the long production of the T200 only ceased when it was replaced by its own upgrade by the less than imaginatively named ?Tourist? in 1973. The new version scooter was very similar to its predecessor although it is said it could now generate 10HP and featured revised styling on the tubular chassis. The Tourist is a curious mix of old technology but with luxury features. The whole rear end lifts up for easy access to the engine. Impressive features are the easy electric dyno start, indicators, outside headlight adjuster and smooth ride. The twin suspension front and rear helping the 145kg machine glide. With luggage compartment on the front and comfortable seat and now with 4 gears the Tula tourist even went capitalist in the 1970s and was exported to other Eastern bloc countries and an advertisement was even seen as far as a dealer in The Netherlands.
This magnificent Tula Tourist was imported by a Lithuanian immigrant to the UK who had restored it in Lithuania. We are impressed by the quality of the work and use of total original parts (It must be mentioned that only the throttle grip was since replaced by a non standard part). The entire engine was reconditioned and the paint work is very presentable. In recent months the scooter has been further serviced by renowned quality restoration specialists Retrospective Scooters where new tyres were fitted, a new battery installed and the carburettor re-jetted to run smoothly. All keys are present. It is declared manufactured 1971 on the V5C. Our consultant was able to see the scooter in fine running condition.
Also present is a large and formidable workshop style manual with attractive colour graphic illustrations and also a repair manual in Russian. This is a real and rare opportunity to own an interesting piece of Soviet history that is legal to immediately ride on the UK roads.
